The BCCI on Wednesday condoled the death of celebrated Ranji cricketer B B Nimbalkar, who passed away yesterday due to age-related ailments at his Kolhapur residence.

“Bhausaheb Nimbalkar was an outstanding batsman, who averaged 57 in first-class cricket. He still holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in first-class cricket 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in 1948-49. After his retirement, he was a source of inspiration to budding cricketers,” BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement.

“The BCCI honoured him with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, for his contribution to the sport, in 2002.

On behalf of the Board, I extend my condolences to his family.

May his soul rest in peace,” he added.

Nimbalkar, 93, was often described as “a man who nearly beat Bradman” for his innings, as at that time his knock of 443 was second only to the Australian’s 452 not out as the record first-class innings.

That particular innings still remains the fourth-highest individual score in first class cricket.

He was unable to break Bradman’s record because, with the total standing at 826 for 4 at the lunch interval, the other side conceded the match.

Later, Bradman sent a personal note to Nimbalkar saying that he considered the Indian’s innings better than his own.

Born on December 12, 1919, Nimbalkar played for Baroda, Holkar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Railways.

An aggregate of 3,687 runs at a healthy average of 56.72 with 11 centuries marked him out as one of the outstanding batsmen in the Ranji Trophy.

Nimbalkar had 58 wickets in his domestic career which spanned from 1939-40 to 1964-65, and also kept wickets in some matches.

A prolific run getter, Nimbalkar, in his 80-match long first-class career, scored 4,577 runs at an average of 52.01 with 12 centuries.

First Published on December 12, 2012 12:31 PM ISTLast updated on December 12, 2012 12:31 PM IST